What You Should Know About Smog Testing
It's something that you may have seen while out driving. A cloud of smoke or smog coming from the tailpipe of the car in front of you. Vehicle emissions can have a major impact on air quality, which is why smog testing is becoming more common throughout the US. In many states across the US, cars need to meet certain emissions requirements in order to be considered road worthy. This means that cars need to pass smog testing on a regular basis. Here are three things that you need to know when it comes to smog testing.
Requirements Vary
The first thing that you should be aware of is that smog-testing requirements vary from state to state. It's important to be up to date on your state's requirements in order to ensure that you are in compliance. At least some form of smog testing is required in 31 states as well as the District of Columbia. In some states only vehicles that are a certain age are required to have smog testing. Many states also have waivers available for certain types of vehicles. It's important to do your research and determine whether or not your vehicle is subject to these tests as well as how often your vehicle needs the required testing.
Cost
While some states will perform smog testing for free, in others you may need to visit a certified mechanic for the testing. On average, the cost of a smog check ranges from $30 to $90. The exact testing procedures vary depending on the state as well as the make, model, and age of the vehicle being tested. Older vehicles are more likely to need to undergo a tailpipe test while newer vehicles are more likely to go through an on-board diagnostics system check.
What Can Cause Your Vehicle To Fail
Another thing that you should know about smog testing is what issues can cause your vehicle to fail the test. There are a few maintenance and repair issues that may cause your vehicle to fail smog testing. Things like dirty air filters, damaged catalytic converters, malfunctioning evaporative emission control systems, worn-out spark plugs, and leaking gas caps can lead to a failed test. A certified mechanic can determine what is causing your vehicle to fail and can fix the issues in order to keep your vehicle road worthy.
One of the biggest contributors to air pollution is emissions from vehicles. Because of this, smog testing is required by many states throughout the US. Testing requirements vary from state to state, however, failure to pass smog testing can mean hefty fines or even the inability to take your vehicle on the road. The cost of smog testing ranges from $30 to $90. There are a few issues that may lead to a failed smog test; however, a qualified mechanic can help get your vehicle back on the road.
For more information, visit websites like http://www.westcoastsmogtest.com.